Promoting a Culture of Consideration: Starbucks Offers Two Free Beverages to Pregnant Women

Starbucks Signs MOU with Four Organizations Including Ministry of Health and Welfare
Coupon Distribution, Donations, and Pregnant Women's Day Event Planned

Starbucks Korea has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korea Social Security Information Service, the Population Health and Welfare Association, and the Child Rights Protection Agency to help overcome the low birth rate crisis and promote a culture of consideration for pregnant women.

The core of the agreement is practical support for pregnant women. Starbucks will provide beverage coupons to celebrate pregnancy and will also donate funds to so-called "at-risk pregnant women" who are experiencing economic or social difficulties. The company will also co-host an event on October 10, which is "Pregnant Women's Day."

Jung Ikjung, Director of the Child Rights Protection Agency (from left), Starbucks partner, Suyeon Lee, Starbucks Strategy Officer, Giil Lee, First Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, Hyunjun Kim, Director of the Korea Social Security Information Service, and Samsik Lee, President of the Population Health and Welfare Association, are taking a commemorative photo at the business agreement ceremony.

The most notable initiative is the "Pregnancy Celebration Beverage Coupon." Eligible recipients are pregnant women whose expected delivery date, as stated on their pregnancy confirmation document, falls between September 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. They will receive two complimentary handcrafted beverages, including non-caffeinated options. Applications open on May 21. To apply, users can click the Starbucks event banner on the "Aima-jung" mobile app, operated by the Korea Social Security Information Service, and enter their Starbucks app ID. The coupons will be issued on the 25th of the month following the application.

In addition to the beverage coupons, Starbucks plans to provide donations to support living expenses, medical expenses, and housing costs for at-risk pregnant women. The Child Rights Protection Agency will identify and select recipients by assessing needs in cooperation with counseling centers nationwide. At the October 10 "Pregnant Women's Day" event, Starbucks will provide custom-made tumblers and food items to approximately 500 participants.

According to Statistics Korea, the number of newborns last year was 238,300, marking the third consecutive year that the annual figure has fallen below 300,000. Giil Lee, First Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, stated, "Although the culture of consideration for pregnant women has spread significantly compared to the past, there is still a need for greater attention in many areas. Establishing a culture of respect for pregnant women requires the participation of all members of society. We will seek various public-private partnership measures to ensure that pregnant women are respected as precious heroes."

Hyunjun Kim, Director of the Korea Social Security Information Service, said, "We hope that the Aima-jung app will serve as an opportunity to widely promote government support programs." Samsik Lee, President of the Population Health and Welfare Association, commented, "The October Pregnant Women's Day event will be even more meaningful in collaboration with Starbucks." Jung Ikjung, Director of the Child Rights Protection Agency, added, "We hope this agreement will provide practical help to at-risk pregnant women."

Meanwhile, Starbucks has maintained its family-friendly company certification since 2014 and supports work-life balance through various programs, including infertility leave, maternity leave, flexible work arrangements for parents, and leave for children's school entry and care. The company also operates a re-employment program for employees who left due to childbirth or childcare.